Choose the right type of photography and videography
There are two types of photography and videography that include traditional and candid.
- Candid photography: Candid photography is less planned and more spontaneous. It captures people and feelings in a far more realistic manner. This style of photography needs greater ability, experience, preparation, and technological knowledge. Candid photographs are more difficult to get and, as a result, cost a little more.
- Traditional photography: Traditional photography is planned (posey). It entails the photographer taking complete and entire responsibility. It captures a large part of the wedding, guaranteeing that no moment or individual is missed. Such photos are less expensive.
- Candid (Cinematic) videography: The concept of cinematic videography is comparable to that of candid photography. It needs greater creativity and narration in order to record the events. In a 20-40 minute video, it captures the wedding, its star cast (you and important people), and the surrounding atmosphere. This style of videography necessitates the use of specialised equipment, such as cameras, drones, and technological know-how. It is an expensive process.
- Traditional videography: Traditional videography is one of the most traditional types of videography. Apart from recording every single minute of the event, it requires less creativity. Traditional videography captures the whole wedding ceremony for at least 2-3 hours. This form of videography necessitates the use of a standard video camera and some basic equipment in order to record constantly. A traditional videography is less expensive.
Factors to keep in mind while selecting the wedding photographer:
- Budget: This is the most difficult part of any thing. There is a well recognised option of setting away a particular percentage of the total wedding expense. When settling on a budget, always keep a range in mind. Don't blindly accept the advice of someone who has spent thousands or less on wedding photos. A passion for photography and appreciation for it are important factors in settling on a budget. Think carefully about how much you value your wedding photographs as an investment. Don't pass up the chance to spend a little more money on better photography style and quality.
- Style: When it comes to modern wedding photography, there are several terminologies that are used these days. Wedding photojournalists, high art wedding photographers, and the renowned candid wedding photographers are all types of wedding photographers. Keep things as basic as possible. Clearly distinguish the styles of the photographers that have been shortlisted. Check out whose style you most connect with.
- Portfolio: When choosing a wedding photographer, make sure he or she has a suitable portfolio. The wedding photographer's portfolio should include a few particular weddings. You don't want to choose a wedding photographer that just provides the finest one or two photographs from each wedding in his or her portfolio.
- Consistency in work: This is one of the most underappreciated and ignored elements. It's normal to be taken aback while viewing wedding photos. However, if the quality of photographs does not remain consistent throughout a wedding, including the wedding day and pre-wedding rituals like sangeet and mehndi, the cause is lost. You would want to experience the picture with the same photographic quality for each occasion. Keep an eye on how his/her photographs turn out for both day and night events.
- Personality of the photographer: It is true that the wedding photographer's personality is reflected in the photographs. Images that are lively and passionate will offer you an insight of his or her personality. Examine his or her Facebook page or tht profile timeline or Twitter feed to see what and how he or she is participating.
- Communication: While speaking with and contacting the photographers on your shortlist, you will notice that you already have a connection with one or a few of them. Do you appreciate his/her communication style? Is he/she efficiently answering your questions and removing all your doubts? Your potential wedding photographer should be able to discuss ideas and comprehend your needs.
- References: Choosing a wedding photographer that has been recommended by a friend might be a wonderful option. If he/she has previously covered a wedding in your family/friend circle, you will have a better understanding of all his/ her previous work. You can quickly shortlist him/her and compare him/her to other photographers on your shortlist.
How to set the budget for wedding photographer:
Wedding photography is a once-in-a-lifetime expenditure. It's an expenditure in recording moments that you'll cherish for the rest of your life. With a wedding to arrange and a thousand other details to smooth out before the big day, there are so many things you might spend your wedding budget on -from venue and cuisine to decor, entertainment, outfits and make-up professionals, and so on. Today, wedding photography is available at a variety of pricing ranges, and you can pick and choose what works best for you. But keep in mind that inexpensive or a good deal does not always imply "value for money." The ideal situation is to choose a photographer or team whose style you enjoy, who is a reputable professional, and whose charges are within your budget. There are outstanding photographers in every price range, and you will be able to choose one that is a good fit for you. However, before you begin your search, you must first establish a budget. The budget should constantly strike a balance between quality and cost. Choosing a high-end wedding photographer does not ensure quality. Similarly, if you are smart enough, you might obtain superior results from a less skilled photographer. There are some tips to keep in mind while deciding the budget.
- Know your estimated budget for wedding photography and videography.
- Determine an approximate percentage of your overall budget that you are willing to invest in wedding photography.
- Conduct extensive study and create a selection of photographers you admire on the basis of their quality of work.
- Learn about the market value of photographers and videographers.
- Once you know the market pricing, you'll be able to tell if they fit inside or surpass your budget.
- If the prices fall inside or near your predetermined budget, you can consider your initial budget to be the final budget.
- However, if market prices surpass the budget you established, you can either re-evaluate the budget or make some sacrifices and dedicate the maximum amount to your preferred services.
What you'll need before you begin looking for a wedding photographer:
There are a few tips to keep in mind before you begin your search for the best wedding photographer.
- Make a wedding photography budget.
- Make a rough estimate of your guest list.
- Determine the location of your wedding (s).
- Learn about the finalised event dates.
- Decide if you want the photographer to cover all of the ceremonies or just a few.
- Determine if you are booking the photographer from the groom's and bride's sides individually or from both sides together.
- Know your style preference for the wedding.
How to find the right wedding photographer for you:
- Start your search of finding the right photographer for you by examining the profiles of prominent wedding photographers available in your area. You can do this by searching on various online wedding planning websites, various platforms for social media and wedding albums of your newlywed friends and relatives.
- Research and understand the style and type of photography they specialize in the most.
- Shortlist the few of them whose work you like the most.
- Meet with each of them in person to go through their portfolios and learn more about their work experience, rates, and cancellation policies.
Key points to discuss and questions to ask with the wedding photographer before finalising
- Availability
1. Are you available for my desired wedding date?
2. Will you be the one to photograph my wedding? If not, when will I be able to meet the photographer who will be on-site?
3. How many more weddings are you going to shoot that weekend?
4. Will you be accompanied by any aides on our wedding day?
- Background check
1. How long have you been photographing weddings for? How many weddings have you documented?
2. Do you frequently photograph weddings of a comparable size and style to the one we're planning?
3. Can you show us the complete pictures of the couple of your previous weddings?
4. Have you ever photographed a wedding at our wedding and reception locations? If not, do you intend to visit the locations ahead of time?
- Style
1. What words would you use to define your photographic style?
2. What would you like to relate to your work?
3. What words will you use to define your working style? Do you want to fade into the background in order to catch natural moments, or do you prefer to be more visible and take command in order to choreograph images?
4. Do you shoot digitally? With film? Or both?
- Pricing and packages available
1. What does your basic package include? What extras are included in the more costly packages?
2. Can I tailor the package to my specific requirements?
3. What is the total number of hours included in each package?
4. Do you provide a photo booth?
5. Do you provide retouching, colour correction, or other corrective services? Are these included or do we have to pay an extra cost?
6. Do you charge for travel? How far is that? What does that involve?
- Albums
1. Can we get prints or albums from you directly?
2. What kinds of albums do you have? Do you offer assistance with image selection and album designing?
3. Do your bundles contain albums or prints? What is the number of pages or prints included, and what is the return time?
4. How long will it take to receive the wedding photos? How will they be distributed?
5. Will we be able to obtain the negatives and/or high-resolution digital images? Is there a charge for this?
6. Will the photographs be made available online? How long will this last?
Key points to discuss after you have finalised the wedding photographer
- Sign a formal agreement.
- Keep a note of every agreement you make. This will come in handy if there is a misunderstanding or a conflict in future.
- Confirm your event's timing with the photographer.
- Share your personal wish list of must-have images with the photographer. just for example jewellery shots, getting ready photographs, lehenga shots, bridesmaids photos etc.
- Make sure your photographer is familiar with the names and faces of the most important people of your family who will be photographed.
When is the right time to book your wedding photographer:
So you're thinking about photography and wondering, as many couples do, "How soon does one pick and hire a wedding photographer?" The quick answer is "as soon as you meet the ideal one." To elaborate, once the wedding date is known, the quest begins quite immediately. Wedding photographers, especially the top ones, are in high demand. For a high wedding season, such as the days around Akshaya Tritiya, you must choose and finalise a photographer before someone else does. Because the most renowned wedding photographers are booked months in advance, you may have to consider other possibilities if your first choice is already booked. There are also instances where well-known photographers handle many events with massive staff. And it may not sit well with a bride or groom who wants that particular photographer to document their wedding day. The best time to book the wedding photographers is as soon as your wedding date and location are set, because skilled photographers are in high demand, especially if your wedding is taking place during the wedding season. So, if you're having an 'in-season' wedding, book your photographer 8-9 months in advance, especially if it's a well-known name; otherwise, no later than 6 months.
Wedding Photography is an important aspect of your wedding, so make sure your time and money is invested wisely. These tips and tricks for selecting the best wedding photographer will assist you in finding the right wedding photographer for your wedding celebration and festivities. If you follow these tips, you won't need any more instruction and these tips on wedding photos will make the wedding album look full of happiness and positivity.
